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Gulf Coast Oyster Chowder

Source of Recipe

From "Bon Appétit, Y'all" by Virginia Willis


Recipe Introduction

"Chowders are thick soups containing fish or shellfish and vegetables such as potatoes and onions in a milk or tomato base. People most often associate these hearty soups with cold New England winters, but the Gulf of Mexico also has a history with them. Poor people living on the coast were able to supplement a diet of salted preserved meat and inexpensive potatoes with seafood they caught or harvested. Meme would prepare this soup in the fall more often, using fatback for salt and flavor instead of bacon. Both meats produce a smoky, salty layer of flavor that is complemented by the sweet oysters. Use canola oil if you prefer a lighter, healthier version."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into lardons; 1 ounce fatback; or 2 tablespoons canola oil
â—¦ 2 leeks, white and pale green parts, well washed, halved horizontally
â—¦ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
â—¦ 4 cups bottled clam juice
â—¦ 1 ½ cups milk
â—¦ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
â—¦ 2 (8-ounce) containers of oysters, drained, juices reserved
â—¦ 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
â—¦ 1 sprig of thyme
â—¦ 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh
â—¦ 2 tablespoons dry sherry
â—¦ Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper


Recipe

In a saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the leeks and sauté, stirring often, until they begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to combine. Whisk in the clam juice, milk, cream, and reserved oyster juice. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Decrease the heat to low. Add the thyme and bay leaf, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the oysters and simmer, uncovered, until they are heated through and their edges begin to curl, about 3 minutes. Remove the thyme and bay leaf and discard. Add the sherry and stir to combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

Serves 4 to 6